Expansible mandrel assembly and method

ABSTRACT

The specification and drawings disclose a method and apparatus for increasing the maximum effective outer diameter of an expansible mandrel or drum of the type having a plurality of radially movable segments. The method generally includes the use of a cylindrical assembly of arcuate segment members having an open inner diameter adapted to be telescopingly slidably received on the mandrel. The segment members are positively interconnected to each other by connecting means releasable exteriorily of the assembly. To use the assembly, it is slid unto a mandrel and each segment member positively connected to a separate segment of the mandrel. Thereafter, the means interconnecting the segment members are released and normal expansion of the mandrel can take place. Merely by reversing the procedure the assembly can be removed and the mandrel returned to its normal dimensions.

United States Patent [191 Horton et al.

[ EXPANSIBLE MANDREL ASSEMBLY AND METHOD [75] Inventors: Robert F. Horton, Middleburgh Heights; John F.- Madachy, Mayfield Heights, both of Ohio [73] Assignee: Loopco Industries,'lnc., Twinsburg,

Ohio

22 Filed: Aug. 29, 1972 21 Appl. No.: 284,486

[ 1 June 11, 1974 Primary Examiner-John W. Huckert [5 7] ABSTRACT The specification and drawings disclose a method and apparatus for increasing the maximum effective outer diameter of an expansible mandrel or drum of the type having a plurality of radially movable segments. The method generally includes the use of a cylindrical assembly of arcuate segment members having an open inner diameter adapted to be telescopingly slidably received on the mandrel. The segment members are positively interconnected to each other by connecting means releasable exteriorily of the assembly. To use the assembly, it is slid unto a mandrel and each segment member positively connected to a separate s egment of the mandrel. Thereafter, the means interconnecting the segment members are released and normal expansion of the mandrel can take place. Merely by reversing the procedure the assembly can be removed and the mandrel returned to its normal dimensions.

10 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PA'TENTEUJUHHBMI 3.815340 1 smznanr 4 PATENTEDM 1 I mm SHEEI 30F 4 EXPANSIBLE MANDREL ASSEMBLY AND METHOD I BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The subject invention is directed toward the art of winding and reeling and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for increasing the outer diameter of an expansible winding mandrel or drum.

The invention is particularly suited foruse on-a recoiler drum and will be described with particular reference thereto; however, as will be appreciated, the invention is capable of broader application and could be used on drums intended for either coiling or uncoiling strip material.

In the metalworking industries, expansible mandrels are widely used in the processing of metal strip. For example, such mandrels are usually employed at the end of a slitter line for recoiling the slit strip.

As can be appreciated, the diameter of a mandrel in its maximum expanded condition is generally a fixed dimension; In many situations it would be desirable for the mandrel to have a larger outer diameter. Generally, in the past, this could be accomplished, if at all, only by completely removing the original mandrel and installing a new one, or by manually installing separate logging sections to the mandrel. As a-practical matter, this was not a satisfactory solution.

BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION The subject invention provides a method and apparatus whereby the effective, maximum outer diameter of a mandrel can be changed rapidly with a minimum of effort. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for increasing the outer diameter of a mandrel of the type comprising a plurality of elongated, arcuate segments which define a generally cylindrical winding surface and are adapted to be moved radially between a predetermined minimum and a predetermined maximum outer diameter. The method generally comprises the steps of:

a. providing a somewhat cylindrical assembly of elongated, arcuate segment members with the assembly having an open inner diameter no less than the predetermined minimum diameter of the mandrel and with the segment members being positively interconnected by releasable connecting means operable exteriorily of the assembly;

b. telescopingly sliding the assembly longitudinally onto the mandrel;

c. positively connecting each segment member to only one of the mandrel segments; and

d. releasing the connecting means which interconnect the segment members.

The preferred apparatus for carrying out the method preferably comprises a plurality of segments having a length at least substantially as great as the mandrel. The number of segment members is desirably at least equal to the number of segment sectionsin the mandrel. Preferably, but not necessarily, the means for releasably interconnecting the segment members comprise at least one removable ring member which encircles the segment members and is releasably attached thereto, such as by machine screws. Additionally, the segment members include means for permitting them to be connected to the mandrel segment sections.

In accordance with a more limited aspect of the invention, the assembly includes a number of segment members equal to the number of segment sections forming the mandrel. Additionally, it is preferably that the means for connecting the segment members include bolt openings which extend through the segment members and are aligned with tapped openings formed in the mandrel sections. As can be appreciated, use of the assembly allows rapid change in mandrel size. Fur ther problems are reduced since during installation and removal of the assembly it is effectively a unitary structure. This eliminates handling, alignment problems and the like.

A primary object of the invention is the provision of a method for increasing the maximum effective outer diameter of an expansible mandrel.

A further object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus which can be used for increasing the diameter of an expansible winding drum.

Another object is the provision of an apparatus of the general type described which is simple to construct and use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view showing the invention being installed on the expansible mandrel of a recoiling apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 4 (but showing the assembly after it has been properly installed on the original mandrel); and

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the diameter increasing assembly prior to installation on the rewinding mandrel.

Referring more particularly to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting the same, FIG. 1 is a pictorial view illustrating a relatively conventional apparatus 10 of the general type often used for rewinding metal strip after it has been treated such as by rolling, slitting or the like. The apparatus 10 is shown as including a main drive and support assembly 12 which carries an expandible mandrel assembly 14. Mandrel assembly 14 is cantileverly mounted and is driven to perform its function by suitable motors and controls carried by the drive and support 12. As is shown in FIG. 1, a pivotally mounted guide assembly 16 is arranged to guide the strip onto the mandrel l4.

The expansible mandrel 14 could be of many specific types and its exact structural details form no part of the present invention. It is broadly shown, however, as of the general type described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,630,278 issued Mar. 3, 1953. That is, it includes a main center section carrying a pair of radially pivotal sections which are caused to move inwardly and outwardly under the influence of a longitudinally extending, radially reciprocated cam or wedge member.

As is known, the maximumouter diameter for mandrels of this general type is fixed by the original design ter can be achieved by the use of an assemblyillustrated generally by the reference numeral 18 and shown in detail in FIGS. 2 through 4. In general, according to the subject invention, the assembly 18 preferably includes a plurality of elongated, longitudinally extending arcuate segments which define an outer cylindrical surface on which the strip can be wound.

Referring in particular to FIGS. 2 through 4, assembly 18 is illustrated asincluding five of the arcuate segments identified with the reference numerals 19 through 23. The segments 19 through 23 are positively interconnected in a cylindrical assembly by externally releasable connecting means which, in the subject embodiment, comprise ring members 24 and 26. The ring members 24. and 26 extend about the outer diameter of the assembly of segments and are releasably connected thereto in any convenient manner such as by a plurality of socket head machine screws 28. As shown in FIG. 2, the machine screws 28 extend through openings formed in the ring members 24'and 26 into tapped openings formed in the segments 19 through 23.

Referring in particular to the segments 19 through 23, it will be seen that segments 19 and 22 correspond generally to the movable segments of the mandrelassembly. That is, segments 19 and 22 are adapted to be connected directly to the exterior surface of the radially movable segments 30'and 31 (shown dotted) of the mandrel 14. In the embodiment shown, each of segments 19 and 22 comprise elongated arcuateouter sections 32 which have one edge 34 inclined in the manner shown for reasons which will hereafter be explained. The opposite edge 36 of each is spaced from the adjacent segment a short distance as shown. Extending longitudinally of each arcuate. section 32 are spacer bars 38. Bars 38 are arranged to engage the outer surface of the mandrel 14.-As can be appreciated, the total combined thickness of segments 32 and spacer bars 38 de-. termine mandrel diameter increase produced by the assembly.

Segment is designed generally similar to segments 19 and 22. However, it has a lesser arcuate extent and includes a first arcuate member 40 which has longitudinally extending spacers 42 carried on its inner face. One edge of the segment section20 is, however, inclined substantially and provided with a rounded outer corner 44. This edge of the segment 20 is arranged to provide a strip receiving mouth 46 so that the lead end of the strip can be inserted into the strip gripping mechanism 47 of the mandrel 14.

Segment 21 likewise comprises an arcuate outer section 48 and a pair of longitudinally extending spacer members 50. Members 50 are, of course, arranged to engage the outer surface of the mandrel 14. It should be noted that the right hand edge of the segment 21 is spaced from the left hand edge of segment 20 to provide ample space for receipt of the lead end of the strip. Segments 20 and 21 are both joined to the non-pivoting section of the mandrel 14.

The segment member 23 is adapted to be connected to the actuating wedge member of the mandrel 14. As shown, it comprises a relatively narrow bar member 54 having a single longitudinally extending spacer member .56. The lateral side edges of the bar 54 are-inclined at an angle corresponding to the angle of inclination of the edges 34 of segments 19 and 22. Accordingly, when the actuating wedge of the mandrel 14 is moved inwardly and outwardly a corresponding camming action takes place between the segment 23 and the segments 19 and 22.

Referring again to the ring members 24 and 26 it will be seen that each is substantially identical and comprises a first, generally cylindrical inner ring section to which is welded a radially extending disc-like ring member 62. In the embodiment'under consideration four generally rectangular plates are joined between members 60 and 62 and are provided with openings 66. Openings 66 provide means for connecting a hoist or the like to theassembled unit for lifting it into position for sliding on the mandrel l4.

To use the apparatus thusfar described the longitudi nally extending segments 19 through 23-are positioned in the ring members 24,26 in their proper relationship and are positively connected to the ring members by the previously mentioned socket head machine screws 28. The assembly can then'be slid longitudinally onto the mandrel 14 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Note that an overhead hoist mechanism is connected to the assembly 18 and it is in the process of being slid onto mandrel 14. After being slid into position on the mandrel, suitable socket head machine screws 64 (illustrated in FIG. 3) are placed in. suitable counterbored openings formed in the segments and threadedly'connected into aligned tapped openings formed in the exterior of the mandrel 14. With the segments 19 through 23 positively connected to the mandrel the socket head machine screws 28 are released and the ring members 24 and 26 are slid longitudinally off the assembly.

At this time, the segment members 19 through 23 are effectively an integral part of the mandrel 14; The mandrel can then be expanded and contracted in the usual manner.

To remove the assembly, the mandrel is contracted to its minimum diameter and the ring members 24'and 26 reconnected. The segment membersare then released from the mandrel by removing screws 64. The unitary assembly can then be removed from the mandrel l4.

The invention has been described in great detail sufficient to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the same. Obviously, modifications and alterations of the preferred embodiment will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of the specification and it is our intention to include all such modifications and alterations as part of our invention insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A method for increasing the maximum effective outer diameter of an expansive mandrel of the type comprising a plurality of elongated, arcuate segments which define a generally cylindrical winding surface and are adapted to be moved between a predetermined minimum and a predetermined maximum outer diameter, said method comprising the steps of:

a. providing a somewhat cylindrical assembly of elongated arcuate segment members with the assembly having an open inner diameter no less than the predetermined minimum diameter of the mandrel and with the segment members being positively interconnected by releasable connecting means operableexteriorily of the assembly;

b. sliding telescopingly the assembly onto the mandrel;

c. positively connecting each member to only one of the mandrel segments; and

d. releasing the connecting means which interconnect the segment members.

2. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein said segment members are provided with a length substantially as great as the mandrel.

3. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein each segment member is releasable connected to only one of the mandrel segments. 1

4. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein aligned openings are formed through said segment members and into said mandrel and wherein said segment members are connected to the mandrel segments by threaded means positioned in said aligned openings.

5. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting means operable exteriorily of the assembly include ring members encircling the assembly and connected to said segment members by threaded means and wherein said ring members are separated from the segment members after being released by longitudinally sliding them therefrom.

6. Apparatus for selectively increasing the outer diameter of an expansive mandrel comprising:

a plurality of elongated arcuate segment members at least arcuate in number to the number of movable segment sections in said mandrel;

said segment members being releasably interconnected into a cylindrical assembly having an opened inner diameter at least as great as the minimum diameter of the mandrel;

said segment members being releasably interconnected by annular means which encircle said segments.

7. The apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said annular means are ring members and are connected to said segment members by thread means passing through said ring members and into said segment members.

8. The apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein at least one of said segment members comprises an elongated wedge adapted, when moved radially, to cause radial movement of two adjacent segment members.

9. The apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said segment members are each spaced a short distance from the next adjacent segment members.

10. The apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein at least two adjacent segment members are spaced a distance apart such that a portion of strip material to be wound on said assembly can be inserted therebetween into said mandrel. 

1. A method for increasing the maximum effective outer diameter of an expansive mandrel of the type comprising a plurality of elongated, arcuate segments which define a generally cylindrical winding surface and are adapted to be moved between a predetermined minimum and a predetermined maximum outer diameter, said method comprising the steps of: a. providing a somewhat cylindrical assembly of elongated arcuate segment members with the assembly having an open inner diameter no less than the predetermined minimum diameter of the mandrel and with the segment members being positively interconnected by releasable connecting means operable exteriorily of the assembly; b. sliding telescopingly the assembly onto the mandrel; c. positively connecting each member to only one of the mandrel segments; and d. releasing the connecting means which interconnect the segment members.
 2. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein said segment members are provided with a length substantially as great as the mandrel.
 3. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein each segment member is releasable connected to only one of the mandrel segments.
 4. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein aligned openings are formed through said segment members and into said mandrel and wherein said segment members are connected to the mandrel segments by threaded means positioned in said aligned openings.
 5. The method as defined in claim 1 wherein said connecting means operable exteriorily of the assembly include ring members encircling the assembly and connected to said segment members by threaded means and wherein said ring members are separated from the segment members after being released by longitudinally sliding them therefrom.
 6. Apparatus for selectively increasing the outer diameter of an expansive mandrel comprising: a plurality of elongated arcuate segment members at least arcuate in number to the number of movable segment sections in said mandrel; said segment members being releasably interconnected into a cylindrical assembly having an opened inner diameter at least as great as the minimum diameter of the mandrel; said segment members being releasably interconnected by annular means which encircle said segments.
 7. The apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said annulAr means are ring members and are connected to said segment members by thread means passing through said ring members and into said segment members.
 8. The apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein at least one of said segment members comprises an elongated wedge adapted, when moved radially, to cause radial movement of two adjacent segment members.
 9. The apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said segment members are each spaced a short distance from the next adjacent segment members.
 10. The apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein at least two adjacent segment members are spaced a distance apart such that a portion of strip material to be wound on said assembly can be inserted therebetween into said mandrel. 